move_file · MCP Workspace Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What move_file does on MCP Workspace Server

AI agents use move_file to create or update resources in MCP Workspace Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your MCP Workspace Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why move_file needs a policy

Moving/renaming files modifies the filesystem state reversibly without destroying data. This is a Write operation. Severity is medium because unintended moves could disrupt project structure, break references, or cause confusion, but the action is undoable.

From the tool's definition Tool description: 'Move or rename files and directories' — modifications are reversible (source can be moved back), no deletion occurs.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

move_file Rate-limited

move_file stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "move_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "move_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches MCP Workspace Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about move_file

What does the move_file tool do? +

Move or rename files and directories. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Workspace Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on move_file? +

Register the MCP Workspace Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for move_file: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches MCP Workspace Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is move_file? +

move_file is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit move_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the move_file rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block move_file completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for move_file. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides move_file? +

move_file is provided by the MCP Workspace Server MCP server (shayyeffet/ultimate_mcp_server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.